Contracts, Editing, and a Character Introduction!

No, I did not fall off the face of the earth. 😉 So much has been happening lately, I’ve been neglecting my monthly posts. With my mother’s recent surgery (just one week ago! She’s doing well!), work, writing and everything in-between I’ve struggled with finding the time to post updates on what’s been happening with me in my writing world. So, let’s see if I can catch you up!

First, I am SO excited to announce I recently signed a contract for the last 3 books of my fantasy series!! The Winter Queen Series has been in the making for a very long time, and moving forward with the publication of all four books has been a dream come true! Having Book 1 published made me so nervous, as I wasn’t sure how it would be received, but I couldn’t be happier with the results!

Since its publication, Winter Queen (The Winter Queen Series, #1)has been selected as a finalist in the 2017 Grace Awards, as well as a cover design finalist for the Realm Makers Parable Awards! Along with these honors (I think I’ve been smiling for a full week straight!) Winter Queen has received some great reviews from readers, one in particular that made me smile. There’s something so wonderful about seeing a positive review where the reader says they’re putting your book on their favorites list. Lots of warm and fuzzy feelings abound. 🙂

Now, who’s ready for Book 2? There is more magic, more dragon people, more prophecies and … more romance!! And if you liked getting to know the Jandry family in Book 1, I am excited to say you’ll be seeing A LOT more of them in Book 2! So don’t waste a second! Add Book 2 to your list on Goodreads now!

I’m a little more than halfway through my first round of edits on Book 2 and am getting more excited as I come to the end of each chapter. While editing isn’t my favorite thing, it does give me the chance to look back on the work I’ve done. One thing I love about being a writer, is how much I surprise myself with the development of each story. Sometimes, my characters do the exact opposite of what I first intended, but it only makes each moment of each story so special. Reading through the book a second time to edit and improve only inspires more and more ideas for future books of the series. I’ve already started writing Book 3 and am very much enjoying the direction the story has taken!

My writing world has been consumed with all things fantasy, yes, but I have to admit my mind can never stay on one subject for too long. 😉 So with that, let me tell you I’ve been throwing around an idea for a series about a family in Montana during the late 19th century, into the early 20th century. I love all things fantasy, but I also love all things historical fiction! Dabbling in new ideas makes writing so exciting because the possibilities for future stories truly are endless.

Now, just to pique your interest further for Book 2, I’d like to introduce a new character! She’s sweet, gentle and considered average, but since her husband’s death she has been given a great power she must now put into practice as war comes to Nfaros.

I am so very pleased to introduce you to Afra Malaki! Formerly a Jandry, she is the widow of Brax Malaki and younger sister of Brecken, Lathan and Maxx Jandry. Afra’s part to play in the war between the Sundragon and the Kael King is significant and will gradually be revealed in the next three books of the series! I absolutely love Afra, as she has grown into a character who loves unconditionally, has incredible strength in adversity, and is loyal to her family no matter the cost. I certainly hope you will love her as much as I do and I look forward to sharing more teasers for Book 2 in the months to come!